Senate Bill 564, also known as House Bill 803, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to utilities, specifically focusing on the approval and management of engineering plans for wastewater treatment systems. The bill modifies Section 68-221-914(b) by changing the approval period from "sixty (60) days" to "sixty-five (65) days." Additionally, it introduces new sections under Title 68, Chapter 221, Part 1, which establish guidelines for the expiration of approved engineering plans, the process for extending approvals, and the requirements for decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Notably, the bill mandates that construction of these systems must be completed within sixty (60) months of initial approval and outlines the conditions under which extensions may be granted.

Furthermore, the bill requires the commissioner to develop rules for the design and construction of decentralized wastewater treatment systems by July 31, 2027, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. It also stipulates that developers must obtain performance bonds for treatment works and outlines the responsibilities of utilities regarding ownership and operational control of these systems. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes a provision exempting certain counties from its application based on population criteria.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-221-914(b), 68-221-914
Amended with HA0621 -- 03/16/2026: 68-221-914(b), 68-221-914, 69-3-108
Amended with HA0621, SA0771 -- 04/06/2026: 68-221-914(b), 68-221-914, 69-3-108